I have a theory about the molding based on a comprehensive data sample of
one. Our 1982 Vanagon has NO signs of retreating molding, None. (we've got
the older brown mold). Here's what I think:

The PO of our van never used any cleaning solvents of any sort, nor did she
use AmorAl or any such potion in the interior. Water with scant detergent.
These aftermarket potions may further the drying process.

Further, the van has been in an attached/semi-heated/cooled garaged for
most of its 19 years. No heating/cooling cycle. Thus no expansion and
contraction of the material, nor much increased drying of the vinyl.

With these thoughts in mind, I think I got REALLY lucky, and I better keep
the thing in the garage, and not use ArmoriAl. Thoughts?

G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett
Corporate Communications Counselors
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Mount Olive, NC USA
877.658.1278 tollfree

"I, the undersigned, shall forfeit all rights, privileges, and licenses
herein and herein contained, et cetera, et cetera . . . fax mentis
incendium gloria culpum, et cetera, et cetera . . . memo bis punitor
delicatum!" It's all there, black and white, clear as crystal!      -Wonka

-----Original Message-----
From:   BRENT CHRISTENSEN [SMTP:bchristensen@INFOGENESIS.COM]
Sent:   Tuesday, May 09, 2000 8:25 PM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Re: Westfalia cabinet molding...

 << File: ATT00021.htm >> Daniel:

Make no mistake, this is a serious topic and has been discussed before!

I think this is common among all of us (at least the later model gray
interiors).  There are two solutions AFAIK:

1. Remove and replace.  According to a friend of mine that is a cabinet
maker, this stuff is pretty standard issue and is called "T-moulding".  The
size is a bit unique (probably metric) but is should be available.  Any
catalog or supplier that carries furniture making stuff should be able to
supply it.

2. Remove the moulding, soak in hot water, and stretch it out.  Reinstall
with light weight adhesive.

I plan to try #2 with my large table as soon as I have some free time.
 This
way I can see how long it lasts before I tear into the rest of the van.
(I've been saying this for a year)

BTW, all the moulding in my Westy shows about a 1/2 - 1" gap in all the
ends.

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
Santa Barbara, CA

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
> Of Daniel Schmitz
> Sent: Tuesday, May 09, 2000 5:00 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Westfalia cabinet molding...
>
>
> This is probably a not-often-asked-for item, but the Westfalia gray
> plastic (rubber?) moldings on many of my cabinets appear to
> have shrunk
> in size, in that they no longer extend over the length of the corner,
> joint, or door aperture as they originally did/were supposed to. Thus,
> my cabinet trim has an odd, ill-fitting appearance. The molding on my
> A/C housing is even rippled as if temperature changes caused
> it to warp
> in place.
>
> My van came from Colorado, having spent all of its life there.
>
> Is this symptomatic of a dry climate?
>
> If so, will these moldings return to their original lengths
> now that the
> van lives in San Francisco?
>
> Are these moldings available anywhere, either in bulk or in pieces?
>
> Should I be asking about more serious Vanagon problems in
> this forum? :)
>
> Thanx again,
>
> Dan
> '87 Westfalia
>